Exploring the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is region that I absolutely adore and love. It is located east of the Melbourne Central Business District and about an hours drive (approx 65 km). Living where I live, it is only 30 min from my house and I love it because it is not too far but also, not too close that you you feel like you are going to your local park!

For visual learners out there, here is a map of major towns inside this beautiful valley. Places I have been include Kinglake, Kangaroo Ground and Whittlesea to the North-West of the region; Yarra Glen, Lillydale, and Heasville right in the center; Marysville and Lake Mountain to the North-East of the Region, and the Dandenong Morticians (eg. Olinda, Sherbrooke, Sassafras) to the south. The places I am yet to visit are the spring-flower country of Gembrook, right on the southern borderline of the Yarra Valley, and Warbuton, a town in the centre of the Yarra Valley which (apparently) is surrounded by mountain views.

Now that you have geographic origin roughly set in the mind, let me tell so what the Yarra Valley is known for. The valley is host to a variety of vineyards, wine tasting and fine food. There are also many fruit growers in the valley. Notability, cherry and berry picking during the summer. Hot air balloon rides are offered year round in the morning (if I am correct). I haven’t been on one but I can imagine how beautiful the views must be from the top. Plus, I hear you get given breakfast too! There’s also many famous garden walks (eg. Alowyn Gardens)– perfect for those like myself who love taking photos and being surrounded by nature.

What I love about this place is its beautiful landscapes – the hills, the green land and its lavish pastures that extend miles and miles beyond eyesight. As you may (or may not) know, I would love to live on a farm and wake-up to the calls of farms animals and be greeted by endless masses of green land and mountains.

(Photos: Taken on Maroondah Highway during Golden Hour)

The driving experience in the Yarra Valley is like none other. Firstly, you don’t get the congest busy roads. It’s so breathtaking because you are surrounded only by the open road. You see rolling hills, pastures, farmland and mountains on either side. On the other hand, head towards the southern parts like the Dandenong Mountains and the far north-eastern regions like Marysville, and suddenly you are surrounded by large tall trees that tower meters and meters over your head. The most famous is the Black Spur Road which leads to Marysville. It is a 35km forest road filled with gigantic pine trees.

(Photos: Taken on Sherbrooke Road in the Dandenong Ranges)

Well, that’s the Yarra Valley in a nut shell. The next post will focus specifically on the the Maroondah Highway which links so many towns together and eventually turns into the famous Black Spur Road.